KABIR Ali was shocked to discover he had been named in the Professional Cricketers Association's inaugural Hewitt team of the year.

The Worcestershire paceman was one of two County players to be selected in the team, with veteran Graeme Hick part of the XI that shows age does not matter.

Kabir has spearheaded much of the New Road bowling this season following the shoulder injury to pace bowler Matt Mason and Australian Doug Bollinger returning home mid-way through a troubled campaign.

"I was surprised to hear that I had been named in the team," said the 25-year-old seamer.

"On a personal level it has been a really good season for me, but unfortunately, as a team, we were relegated in the four-day league.

"It has been hard work for me taking on the extra responsibility of leading the attack but it has been one that I have enjoyed. I think that I've proved this year that I'm good enough to keep hold of the new ball next season."

Hick also won the Sky Sports Sixes League in what has been a golden year for the 41-year-old former England international.

The New Road favourite hit 28 sixes in all one-day domestic competitions and he was presented with his trophy at the awards dinner on Monday night.

The Hewitt Team of the Year is: Robert Key (capt, Kent), Darren Maddy (Warwickshire), Mark Ramprakash (Surrey), David Sales (Northamptonshire), Graeme Hick (Worcestershire), Phil Mustard (wkt, Durham), Graeme Swann (Northamptonshire), Ottis Gibson (Durham), Kabir Ali (Worcestershire), Mushtaq Ahmed (Sussex), Andrew Caddick (Somerset).